WSSU concerned over devastating floods

The Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) has expressed deep concern over the devastation caused by recurring floods during the monsoon season.
In a press release, WSSU president Ikato Khulu and general secretary Vitoka N Rochill noted that numerous households were severely affected by floods each year, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
However, they lamented that despite this, no concrete measures had been taken to mitigate or manage the situation. They alleged that the ongoing hardships faced by the public were a direct consequence of the government’s failure to develop a proper drainage system in the state.
They said it was deeply disheartening that precious lives had been lost in the recent floods that ravaged the region, adding that they firmly believed that such tragic losses could have been prevented had effective drainage systems and other preventive infrastructures been put in place earlier.
Extending their heartfelt condolences, they said they stood in solidarity with the bereaved families during this difficult time.
In light of the establishment of urban local bodies (ULBs), the WSSU leaders strongly urged the state government and municipal/town Councils to coordinate and take swift action to address these longstanding infrastructural deficiencies.
According to them, establishing a reliable and well-planned drainage system must be prioritised to reduce the risk of floods and loss of life, regardless of weather or natural calamities. Furthermore, they appealed the state government to extend financial compensation to the families of the deceased as well as those who had suffered property losses due to the flood.
They stressed that this was not a time for blame but for unity, stating “when we must stand together as a community to support one another and collectively work toward a society that guarantees essential public utilities and infrastructure for all”. They called upon all civil society organisations (CSOs) and the general public to stand firm and united in demanding proper infrastructure and long-term solutions from the government, rather than merely reacting after each disaster struck.